Question 1

What is contra dancing?

Accepted Answer

Contra dancing is a folk dance most popular in the US, with origins in English, Scottish, and French folk dancing. In contra dancing, partnerships of two dancers progress up and down two long lines of dancers throughout each dance. Each dance is composed of simple steps ('figures') combined in different sequences and announced throughout the dance by a caller, so dancers don’t need to memorize each dance, only the figures. Dancers may attend solo or with a partner, with the option to rotate partners following each dance, or to stick with the same person throughout. (Read more about the Collective’s gender-free partnering below.)

Question 2

What does "gender-free contra dancing" mean?

Accepted Answer

We were founded by a group of queer friends who wanted to make an environment where anyone can wholly enjoy themself while contra dancing, regardless of gender identity or sexual & romantic orientation. Although contra dance traditionally has two gendered roles, our dances have two roles called “Lark” and “Robin”, and we encourage dancers to dance whichever role they choose for each given dance. Larks will stand on the left side of a partnership, while Robins will stand on the right (left/lark, right/robin). Lark/Robin calling is a gender-free way to assign roles to dancers and is used by contra dance organizations across North America, such as Boston Intergenerational Dance Advocates (BIDA).

Question 3

Where/when do you all meet?

Accepted Answer

The Lavender Contra Collective meets every other Sunday 4-6pm, at a space called Group Project (140 Bradley Street, New Haven, CT, second floor). Our full schedule is available in document form and in Google Calendar form, linked below. We also notify people of our events on our Instagram and in our WhatsApp chat (both linked here too!).

Question 4

Where can I park my car nearby?

Accepted Answer

We recommend street parking nearby, because New Haven street parking is free on Sundays (when we meet). There are also several lots along State Street within short walking distance of our venue, Group Project (State/Trumbull Lot, State/Pulaski Lot, State/Audubon Lot). However, because parking availability is limited, many of our dancers find it both fun and convenient to carpool, and we welcome you to use our WhatsApp chat to find carpool buddies.

Question 5

What is the WhatsApp chat for?

Accepted Answer

The WhatsApp chat is a place where our organizers and dancers can directly communicate about our sessions. For example, if any last-minute changes occur, organizers will use the WhatsApp chat to quickly let everyone know. Also, our organizers sometimes request feedback or input from dancers via the WhatsApp chat. We do not have any 'membership' requirements -- anyone is welcome to join the WhatsApp group if they wish to be directly notified of events, logistical changes, and requests for input.

Question 6

Is it free to come dance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, dancing with us is completely free! All of our regular biweekly dances remain free of charge thanks to our sponsor, ALEX Inc., a Connecticut nonprofit with a mission to empower queer youth, families, and allies through education, advocacy, and events.

Question 7

I want to come dancing. How should I prepare?

Accepted Answer

No practice or skills-related preparation is necessary; we include instruction at the beginning of every session and welcome dancers of all experience levels. When coming to dance, you should wear clothes and shoes that are comfortable to move in and (possibly) bring a refillable water bottle or cup. Keep in mind also that participating in contra dance involves some physical contact with other dancers. (For more on the degree/type of physical contact, see the related question below.)

Question 8

Can I come alone / do I need to bring a dance partner?

Accepted Answer

You don’t need to bring a partner to dance with us; many of our dancers come alone and just partner up when they arrive. Our dancers also tend to switch partners from dance to dance throughout the session. But of course, you are also welcome to dance with one partner the whole time.

Question 9

What level of physical touch occurs during contra dancing?

Accepted Answer

When contra dancing, you will interact with all other dancers, but most of your physical touch will occur with your partner. Almost all physical contact (with your partner and with other dancers) takes the form of touching or holding hands, but one very common figure, the swing, will involve touching your partner’s shoulders / upper back. If you would like to dance with us but have reservations about the physical contact described here, reach out to our organizers using the contact form or via Instagram DM, or come to a session to observe and talk with our organizers there. We will make contra dancing with us an experience that works for you.

Question 10

I don't think I am good at dancing. Is this group for me?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The Lavender Contra Collective is open to dancers of all experience levels, and we begin each session with 10-20 minutes of instruction for new and returning dancers alike. We have found that our new dancers learn very quickly, probably because the dances are simple and rely only on a few key moves ('figures') that we return to again and again throughout the dances. Many of our frequent dancers had never danced before coming to our sessions. You may surprise yourself!

Question 11

Can I take photos or videos of the dance?

Accepted Answer

We ask that participants do not take photos or videos of the dance unless given permission to do so during our designated “recorded dance” (usually about 6 minutes per event). During that dance, we give dancers who do not wish to be recorded the opportunity to sit to the side, so that they are not recorded in photo or video.

This policy is important to us because Lavender Contra Collective events are created first and foremost for members of the queer community, some of whom may not feel comfortable or safe being recorded. We want attendees to participate freely in our dances whether or not they are out in the broader world, and whether or not they are comfortable with their appearance and voice being captured in photo/video/audio.

Lavender Contra Collective

Gender-free contra dancing in the Nutmeg State, for any skill level. Created for the queer community and allies, open to all. We welcome you to join us! 🌈😊

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